I’m not talking opening up about your worst days on a first date, but if you see a future with that person, it’s an important part of building trust within a relationship.

Talking about it is not easy, let alone with someone you’re interested in. For many people suffering with their mental health, they fear telling those closest to them.

I think you should be able to talk about your mental illness with the person you’re dating. Not just because it’ll be a relief for you to get it out, but because that person deserves to know.

If you’re hoping for something long-term with this person, they need to be aware that you have a long-term illness.

I know, it’s frightening, but if you had a long-term physical illness, you’d disclose it. We need to be doing the same thing with mental health to prove it’s just as valid.

The person you’re dating needs to know that you struggle so that they can learn how to be there for you. They simply won’t understand how to help you if you don’t explain that occasionally you find yourself in a bad place.

(Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)

The person you’re dating needs to know that you live with an illness so they can weigh up whether they’re able to date you. If they realise they can’t, it’s over. This of course is the scariest part of opening up, but it needs to be done – and it’s better to weed out people who can’t handle you early on.

Being honest isn’t just good for a potential partner. It’s good for you, too.

It’ll encourage you to talk about your mental illness more and will teach you to allow others to support you. It’ll show you who’s worthy of being there for you and who’s not – and it’ll also make you realise you are not in any way a burden on anyone else.

Of course, the difficult part is actually starting the mental health conversation. And so, if you’re planning on talking to your date about your mental health, we have a few tips.

(Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)

Just be honest with them

There’s no easy way to start talking about your mental health – because however you do it, it’s going to be nerve-wracking.

We suggest you slowly throw it out there – tell them that you’d like to be honest with them about something, but that you’d appreciate them simply listening and not acting too shocked.

That way they can be prepared – and won’t make you uncomfortable whatever their reaction. Which, if they’re a decent person, will be a good one.

You don’t need to go too in depth

Only say what you’re comfortable with saying. While it’s good to disclose your illness, you don’t need to tell them the ins and outs.

That’s personal to you and if you’re not ready to share that, that’s totally fine. They only really need to know the basics if you’re planning on getting serious with them.

(Picture: Liberty Antonia Sadler)

Don’t panic

Mental health is not an easy conversation, but it’s one that becomes less scary the more you do it. When you decide to start it, don’t panic.

Don’t rush the conversation and don’t fret about it too much.

It’s good to remember that mental health issues are very common – with one in four people in the UK being affected. You never know, your date could be one of those people – and even if not, it’s not something they’ll be completely unaware of.

Don’t apologise for your mental health

When talking about your mental health, you might feel as though you’re putting a burden on someone else. But you’re not. You’re just telling them that you have an illness.

When you talk about it, please don’t apologise for it. Apologising for your mental illness makes it look like it’s in your control, or you’ve decided to have issues – which is not the case. Make this known to your date so that they understand this.

(Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)

Only do what you’re comfortable with

If you go to start the conversation and the words just won’t come out, don’t worry. There’s no time limit on when you should tell your date about your mental health issues – it’s totally down to what you’re comfortable with.

Being comfortable is the only way you’re going to be able to discuss the topic without fretting too much about the response.

(Illustration: Liberty Antonia Sadler for Metro.co.uk)

The bottom line is the topic of mental health can feel like a very intimidating thing to talk about with someone you’re interested in.

While mental health is a big deal, in terms of its seriousness and its ability to deeply affect a person, it won’t affect the way a person feels about you. And, if a person decides not to give you a chance, that’s their loss.

You need someone who will love you for you and who will appreciate and support every part of you.

Talking about your mental health is a chance to find someone who will do this.